A modern version of Chesty Puller?

I note with some sadness that General James N. Mattis retired from the US Marine Corps earlier this month.  It's been rumored in various reports that he was 'let go' by the Obama administration because he too frequently challenged politicians and bureaucrats over the consequences of their actions, and wouldn't let them avoid or evade their responsibilities.  More fools them for getting rid of such a man!  The 'yes-men' won't alert them to the crocodiles waiting in the swamps ahead.

I particularly enjoyed the Washington Free Beacon's selection of sixteen quotes by General Mattis as a retirement tribute.  Here are a couple of them.

• “The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot.”
• “You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them. Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot. It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling.”

He certainly didn't mince his words!  I think the legendary Chesty Puller would have heartily approved of General Mattis - and I think I'd have enjoyed serving under him.  I'm sorry he's gone . . . and I hope he took the time to train, form and prepare others to follow in his footsteps.  We can't afford to be without such fighting leaders.

Peter